Avian flu housing measures lifted today
18th Apr 2023 / By Rebecca Veale
The mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds put in place in England and Wales to help stop the spread of avian influenza have been lifted from today.
The announcement is in response to the reduction in risk levels and the measures apply in England and Wales unless birds are in a protection zone.
Whilst this is a welcome step for any poultry keeper, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, has highlighted the importance of maintaining high levels of biosecurity and vigilant for any signs of disease.
“The unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
Pig producers are reminded that if there are any kept birds on a pig unit and the unit is identified as an infected premises or falls within a zone there will be movement restrictions on the pig herd also – if any members have any queries please get in touch with Becca Veale ().
Members can read our updated avian influenza Q&A HERE
Risk levels
The risk of incursion of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in wild birds has been reduced to high.
The risk of incursion of HPAI in poultry with stringent biosecurity in place has been reduced to low.
The risk of incursion of HPAI in poultry with suboptimal biosecurity in place has been reduced to medium.